Its historybronly dating back to the early 1900s, the now-omnipresent hamburger was notbralways a mainstay of American fare. Not until the post-war, mass-pattybrproduction of White Castle, and later McDonald's, did the hamburger take its currentbrplace in the canon of American culinary culture. For decades after, frozen, factory-producedbrpatties atop tasteless buns ruled menu boards. But fast-food forward! Today's localbrburger scene is ripe with fresh and flavorful options for those with a few extrabrminutes on their hands and the desire for superiority in their stomachs.

Settledbrnear the Southlake Boulevard entrance to Bicentennial Park, Burger Shack isbrfilled with rustic farm-worn furnishings, giving a nod to a simpler, friendlierbrtime when families gathered together for good food and community. Walk in onbrany given weekend and you are likely to see little leaguers celebrating with abrpost-game tray of quarter-pound Half-Shacks at the dining room’s communal tablebrwhile team parents enjoy their orders close by.

Startingbrwith 100-percent Angus Beef and fresh-baked Kaiser rolls, Burger Shack occupiesbrthe flip-side of the burger world with its custom Shack Fav creations. Perhapsbrthe wildest of all, the Bayou Burger ($9.99), is topped with a grilled LouisianabrAndouille sausage link, a fried onion ring, American cheese and chipotlebrmayonnaise — a delectably dry (not greasy) and meaty mouthful. Burger Shack forgesbron with other specialty burgers, like the Spicy Baja ($9.49), covered with pepperbrjack cheese, jalapenos and chiptotle spread, and the sweet and flavorful WildbrWest Burger ($9.79), with BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar and grilled. With seasonedbrfries, sweet potato fries or onion rings on the side, Burger Shack serves up abrslice of America — on a bun.

Beingbra good family restaurant, Burger Shack caters to all tastes, including those ofbrmore health-conscious kin. Every offering on the menu can be prepared withbrground turkey, a chicken breast or a veggie burger. A ground-turkey CaliforniabrBeach Burger is perfectly matched with sliced avocado and sprouts and a freshbrwhole-wheat bun ($9.99). Seasoned fish also makes the grade with the seared AhibrTuna Burger finished with a sweet Thai Chili spread and a side salad ($11.99).

Withbra wide array of classic, creative and — dare we say — healthy burgers, BurgerbrShack fits the bill for every family. With Chef Jason's regular specials and abrwell-stocked happy hour it could easily become your weekly family gatheringbrplace.